Last week, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin introduced the Keeping All Students Safe Act, S.2020, to protect students nationwide from dangerous restraint and seclusion.

Highlights of the Bill

• The bill bans all seclusion of children.

• The bill prohibits physical restraint except in emergencies when there is an immediate threat of serious bodily injury.

• The bill requires schools to use less restrictive measures before attempting restraint.

• The bill requires restraint to end when the emergency ends.

• The bill bans mechanical restraints, such as putting children in Rifton Chairs, or taping or tying them to chairs or furniture, or locking them into devices. It also bans chemical restraints, restraints that impair breathing or otherwise threaten life; restraints which are medically and psychologically contraindicated. Since prone restraint impairs breathing, it would be forbidden under the bill.

• The bill also bans restraints that prevent children from communicating.

• The bill requires schools to notify parents in writing within 24 hours of restraint and verbally the same day.